St Ignatius Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 125214 Inspection date 23 March 2006 Inspector Beth Kingsland

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 on a rota basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder has a cat

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that contributes effectively to their good health. Children have access to an enclosed garden and the they regularly visit large play centres, which provide them with a variety of experiences, for example, climbing and sliding. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Children's emotional wellbeing is extended through activities that allow them to express and communicate their feelings freely, for example, young children responding to questions through hand movements and vocal sounds. They are encouraged to gain increasing control of their own bodies and receive good support from the childminder. Children receive a nutritious and balanced diet, which is varied to meet their individual needs. They are encouraged to make independent food choices, for example, young children are beginning to feed themselves and make decisions about

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Helping children to be healthy

their likes and dislikes. Children are regularly offered a range of drinks throughout the day. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of good personal hygiene routines. They wash their hands before meal times and independently select tissues when required. Procedures for changing nappies afford children their privacy and dignity and are completed hygienically and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move freely within the well organised, inviting environment, both inside and within the garden area. Comprehensive risk assessment procedures ensure children have easy and free access to a good range of well maintained equipment that is effectively organised to encourage the children to select independently. For example, resources are presented in sliding boxes and on open shelving that are organised for their stages of abilities. The children are very aware of the importance of staying safe, for example, keeping areas of the floor space free from equipment to ensure easy access and freedom of movement. They are kept free from harm when they are away from the premises due to close supervision and the childminder’s clear knowledge of health and safety procedures. However, as yet, the childminder has not ensured that individual names and contacts for children are available in the case of an emergency. Babies can

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sleep safely within a well maintained, comfortable environment. Children are protected from potential harm through the childminder’s competent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children experience a wide variety of purposeful and meaningful activities that are planned well to meet their differing needs and abilities. They are well settled and are confident within the surroundings of the childminder’s home. They have developed very good relationships together. For example, older children help younger ones to select equipment and encourage them to play through close contact and communication. Children can freely select and show increasing independence as they choose and make individual choices. They benefit from activities that allow them to explore, express and use their imaginations, for example collage work, free painting and planting activities. Children respond with delight and excitement as they take part in singing and movement activities, that allow them to move freely and sing confidently. Children's work is valued and displayed sensitively within the home. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder’s use of the Birth to three matters framework results in younger children experiencing activities that allow them to explore, discover and imitate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children attend a variety of groups, for example, musical sessions and trips to the local library. This allows them to socialise with other children and undergo a balance of meaningful and purposeful experiences that extend their knowledge and increase their awareness of the local and wider environment. Children can select from an appropriate range of equipment that promotes positive images of culture, gender and disability. This increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children gain increasing self-assurance through a strong relationship with the childminder. Their views and beliefs are valued and appreciated. They are encouraged to persevere and make personal choices. This results in children who are well behaved, helpful and tolerant of others. The children's needs are further extended with the strong relationship developed between the childminder and parents and carers. Parents receive clear information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about children's daily routine and the childminder's practice. They are encouraged to share any concerns and to speak openly on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from clear routines and a well organised environment. They are supported in a warm and caring home, which supports their growing social confidence allowing them to be valued and appreciated.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has adopted clear polices and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Although the childminder keeps clear records of medication and of accidents, these have not been organised to ensure confidentiality. There are clear planning systems in place to ensure effective procedures are adopted to keep children safe and enable them to make good progress. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childcare inspector identified three recommendations relating to standard 6, safety and standard 14, documentation. The childminder was asked to develop documentation and ensure safety checks were obtained. The issues have been addressed resulting in positive outcomes for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure clear emergency arrangements are in place while away from home • ensure medication and accident records are maintained to ensure confidentiality

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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